In this deeply personal and power-filled episode of Cat81 Radio, your host sits down with Robert “Taco” McAllister, a man whose remarkable journey spans continents, undersea vessels, the firehouse and ultimately into full-time service of the Lord. Born in Mexico as a sickly infant, Taco’s life could have taken one path—but through the love of an extraordinary mother and relocation across the United States, his story was set on another. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard submarines. Later, he answered another call—joining the fire service for 31 years—entering the kind of brotherhood you know well. But perhaps most gripping is his spiritual transformation: from a young man facing the adversities of life, to one who now anchors his identity in Christ and uses his story as a testament of faith and redemption. Highlights for listeners: The adoption journey and how early frailty shaped his character. Transitioning from military discipline (in the silent, confined world of a submarine) to the chaos and courage of a firehouse. How service, sacrifice and faith intersected in his career and now in his walk with Christ. Practical take-aways for listeners: surviving hardship, embracing purpose, and finding hope when life is under pressure. Insights for men in service, first-responders, or anyone grappling with life’s heavy load—and how faith can be the anchor. As Jaggy and Tedi, the studio cats purr in the background, this show offers both inspiration and solid ground.
